Disabled youngsters get sporting chance

Ann, Jason and Hannah with youngsters from Chadderton Park FC’s cerebral palsy football club

Ann, Jason and Hannah with youngsters from Chadderton Park FC’s cerebral palsy football club

A FAMILY offeering opportunity and inspiration to disabled youngsters has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Hannah Dunks (21) and her mum and dad, Ann and Jason Tricket, are the team behind Chadderton Park FC’s cerebral palsy football club.

Not only do they provide one of only a handful of such facilities in the country - attracting youngsters from far and wide - they also offer a social and support network for families.

Tony Liversage, who makes a 100-mile round trip every fortnight from his home in Stoke so his seven-year-old son Jude can play, nominated the terrific trio.

By speaking to other families at the sessions Tony and his wife Kelly learned about a life-altering operation for Jude, for which they are currently trying to raise £35,000.

Tony said: “Hannah and her family have organised the cerebral palsy team along with all the coaches that attend. This has added so much enjoyment for these children. It has also brought families together to learn from each other about cerebral palsy.

“It has given so many people a friendly and safe environment for the children to play football. They are inspiring to many people and I am personally trying to set a team up in Stoke on Trent to allow other CP children the same opportunity as the children at Chadderton. I can’t believe there are people out there like Hannah, Anne and Jason, as they give so much to our children. They’re an inspiration and deserve to win the award.”

Hannah, who also suffers from cerebral palsy, said she and her mum and dad were overwhelmed at the nomination. The three of them coordinate everything behind the scenes, including players, parents, setting up matches and sessions and ordering kit and equipment.

“Our motivation to do this is the enjoyment for the children, however being nominated by one of the parents is an honour as we are happy to just help our club, players and parents.”

Around 25 children attend each session, travelling from as far as Liverpool, Blackpool and Huddersfield.